Auto-calibration label and apparatus comprising same

Abstract

An auto-calibration label for use with one or more sensing instruments. The label includes first and second encoded calibration information. The second encoded calibration information may correspond to a different instrument than the first encoded calibration information. The second encoded information may also be used to provide additional calibration information for use with the first instrument. The label may be removably attached to a sensor package including a plurality of sensors. A first conductive ink pattern is disposed on the label to define the first encoded calibration information. The first conductive ink pattern is disposed contemporaneously with or without a portion of a second conductive ink pattern defining the second encoded calibration information. An insulating layer is disposed on the first pattern. The second ink pattern is disposed on the insulating layer. The first pattern is operable with the first instrument, not the second instrument. The second pattern is operable with the second instrument, not the first instrument.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 409,331, filed on Sep. 10, 2002.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to sensor instruments, and, more particularly, to a new and improved method and apparatus for calibrating a sensor instrument. Particular embodiments relate to sensor packages for use with an analyte monitoring instrument.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The field of clinical chemistry is concerned with the detection and quantitation of various substances in body material, typically body fluids such as blood, urine or saliva. In one important aspect of this field, the concentration of naturally occurring substances, such as cholesterol or glucose, in an individual's blood is determined. One of the most frequently used analytical devices in clinical chemistry for determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample is the test sensor. Upon contacting the test sens...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]Where the patterns are formed with screen printing techniques, it is often desirable to reduce the total number of passes to form the label. One method for reducing the total number of passes comprises printing the first pattern and an outer ring of the second pattern in the first printing pass. To help isolate the patterns, the outer ring of the second pattern may be larger than the outer ring of the first pattern and be positioned to not contact the first pattern. A second printing pass lays down an insulating layer, preferably an insulating layer containing a dielectric. A third printing pass lays down the remainder of the second pattern. The first and second patterns are thus layered and isolated from each other.

[0017]Another object of the invention is to reduce injuries to individuals resulting from inaccurate sample analysis, e.g., inaccurate glucose concentration readings.

[0018]Another object is to reduce incorrect sample analyses resulting from incorrect calibration of a system analyzing the sample.

[0019]Another object of the invention is to provide means for increasing the maximum number of calibration information that can be placed on a calibration label of a predetermined size.

[0022]Another object is to provide improved printing methods for encoding information.

[0023]Another objective is to provide means for isolating conductive data. A further object is to increase the amount of data provided in a predefined area, such as a calibration area of a sensor package. A still further object is to increase the quantity of information provided by printing information on a single level as well as on multiple levels.

Problems solved by technology

If calibration codes adapted for characteristics of the new improved meters are used in older meters, test results are likely to be inaccurate.

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